- Ellery Queen: Well, have you figured it out? If you've been watching closely, you've probably worked it out, too. Was it Florence? Max the copy writer? Or did Jerry Crabtree stab Long? How about Horace Manley? Or did Rita Radcliffe make good on her threat? Or was it somebody else? No, it wasn't Flannigan, and the waiter didn't do it. I'll give you a hint: it's later than you think.
- Frank Flannigan: VERA!
- [Vera comes running, carrying a thermos]
- Frank Flannigan: Where have you been? It's almost time to go on the air, and there's nobody here but me!
- Vera: I've been over watching the butter commercial. I brought you some coffee, F.F.
- Frank Flannigan: I don't want any! I'm losing my marbles and you're bringing me coffee!
- Vera: I'm sure you'll want this coffee, F.F. It's the kind of coffee
- [with a meaningful look]
- Vera: that you drink in the office.
- Ellery Queen: I don't like going through other people's mail.
- Frank Flannigan: [eagerly snatches the letters] The I will read it.
- Inspector Richard Queen: If Flannigan wants a scoop, I'll give him one. I'll strangle him right on the air.
- Frank Flannigan: [seeing himself on TV] Where'd I get that fat, white face? I look like a dead squirrel!
- Florence Ames: I"m surprised you'd listen to malicious gossip.
- Inspector Richard Queen: I'm willing to listen to anything that has any bearing on this murder investigation.